Casey's Story

(As told by her mother and taken from Casey's Website)

Below are pictures of Casey's car.  This is where she took her last breath.  These pictures were put here so others can see what happens when people decide to drive drunk.  

My daughter was an innocent victim.  Derrick Williams, age 22 , was at a party that night.  He was offered a ride home and refused; he said he would take the back way.  My child lived on that road.  There is a long straight away, if he was not drunk my daughter would be with her family today.  Drunk, he raced up behind them and hit them with an impact of about 80 MPH.  He spun them around twice, then the car flipped on its side, passenger side down and traveled 286 feet.  The car then went off the levee into a flooded field.  

Mr. Williams left the scene, went home and crawled into bed.  The police found him there hours later.  If he would have stayed at the scene, my daughter would have been found.  He left the scene and the rescuers did not know where the car was.  His car had air bags and floated longer, Casey's went under fast.  

Parents, when you are looking for a car for your teenager please consider air bags.  The initial cost is higher, but the price we paid can never be measured in dollars.  Casey's death certificate states drowning as cause of death.  I do not think she drowned; if any way possible she would have gotten out.  She was on the passenger side and the window was opened.  

Mr. Williams was sentenced to 19 years.  He appealed and got nine years taken off of the sentence because of a legal sentencing technicality.  What about Casey?  What legal technicalities did she have--NONE.   In Tennessee, one serves approximately one-third of the sentence, and then gets "good time" day for day.  This means he will only serve about three and a half years.  Our sentence is a lifetime. 

UPDATE.....Mr. Williams died in jail of an apparent stroke in  April 2000.  I never wanted him to die.  I just wanted him to pay for what he has done.  It is time for me to forgive him.  Now he is wherever she is, and I know in my heart she has forgiven him.   I send condolences to his family. 

Please visit Casey's website by clicking <here>

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